NEWS
NEWS
1/15/12So it's official, over the next month we are headed into the studio to record our second album. It will consist of five new songs and possibly some acoustic songs as well. Be on the lookout for a release sometime this spring! Also, we have added a few more shows in the next few weeks so come on out and have a good time!12/16/11We had an awesome time at Valley Community Church last night. You guys were incredible! Thanks for coming out and havin a good time with us. If you didn't make it and missed our special Christmas set list, you have two more chances to hear Christmas done Astoria style. This saturday, 12/17 at All Asia, and next Friday 12/23 at Max Cap. Tickets for Max Cap are only $5 so hit us up!11/23/11Hey everyone, we're officially starting a "street team" for astoria! We need your help! Not local to western MA? No problem! We need everyone far and wide! If you would like to help promote us in person or online please send us an email to astoriabooking_gmail.com and we will get you on board!11/4/11We're happy to announce that Astoria is officially part of the Monolith Management family. They're some great guys and have worked with some awesome bands. We're excited to see what's in store!9/27/11We've just released our cover of "DJ Got Us Falling In Love" exclusively on YouTube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXTqhf3fMxE&feature=colikeDo us a huge favor and watch it a lot. We would really appreciate it! 9/25/11Big thanks to everyone who came and checked us out at Ignite the Light yesterday. As always, thanks for the support. We'll be back in Connecticut again in a cuple weeks at this year's "The Launch". We're sharing the stage with a bunch of great bands, so come and check it out!9/13/11We've just been added to to a show in mahattan this thursday night at Arlene's Grocery. We take the stage at 11pm. New York fans, come check us out!9/8/11Hey guys, Mike here, our new site is up and running! Check here for the latest Astoria news, updates, and shows.We've got some awesomer shows coming up in the next few weeks. Check the "tour" page for details.Did you miss us at a show but still want to get your hands on official Astoria merchandise? All of our merchandise is sold here exclusively at our online store. Click "merch" for information.That's it for now, see you soon!
MERCH
MERCH
"Towers" T Shirt
"Coat of Arms" T Shirt
Self Titled EP
$12
$12
$7
Buy Now
T shirts - Available sizes S-XXL. Click on "add note to seller" during the paypal payment process and enter your size. All orders include free shipping to the continental U.S.!
TOUR
TOUR
2/17/12 Shenanigan's 154 Elm St. Westfield, MA 010851/28/12 Valley Community Church 590 West Avon Rd. Avon, CT 0600112/23/11 Maximum Capcity 116 School St. Chicopee, MA 0101312/22/11 Unregular Radio (Live On-Air) Boston, MA 12/17/11 All Asia 332 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA12/14/11 Valley Community Church 590 West Avon Rd. Avon, CT 06001 11/19/11 The Palladium 261 Main St. Worcester, MA 01608 Winterland11/18/11 The Primer Showcase 76 Hope St. Greenfield, MA 01301 Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex 11/12/11 Fall Fest Apple Lane West Simsbury, CT 11/11/11 McGann's 197 Portland St. Boston, MA 02114 Maximum Capacity10/21/11 Zamia Record Release 116 School St. Chicopee, MA 01013 Crossroads Community Cathedral10/14/11 The Launch 1492 Silver Lane East Hartford, CT 06040 Camp Faithful9/24/11 Ignite the Light 891 Queen St. Southington, CT 06480 9/15/11 Arlene's Grocery 95 Stanton St. New York, NY 10012
BAND
BIO
For the five members of Astoria, 2010 was one of the busiest, most successful years that a local band from western Massachusetts could ask for. For a band that was less than a year old, they had already been asked to play numerous out of state shows, from New Hampshire to as far south as Virginia, began production on their debut album, and created a loyal, ever growing fan base. Coming off of their success at home and abroad in 2010, the band was finally able to focus on the independent release of their first record in 2011. The self titled debut album "Astoria" was a year in the making, but finally culminated with an extremely successful release party in their hometown.For the Massachusetts based quintet, consisting of guitarist Justin LaFontaine, drummer Andy Grincavitch, bassist Christian Dancy, vocalist Matt Whitacre, and guitarist Mike Hines, the road to independently releasing an album was not an easy one. "The work seemed like it was never going to end" Hines explains, who, in addition to playing guitar on the album, also recorded, produced, and mixed it. "When you're given a budget of thousands of dollars to go to a top notch studio and record, all you have to worry about is playing your part. When you go home, the engineers and producers take care of all the editing, mixing, and tweaking that make your album sound professional and perfect. When your budget is zero dollars, you're doing the job of three people, and there's no one double checking the tracks to ensure perfection. It was a struggle to stay alert at times and continue working, but the end result far surpassed my expectations. It was exactly what we were looking for, and I couldn't be happier with it."It was certainly a unique recording experience for other members of the band as well. "As a drummer, this is the third album I've done." Grincavitch explains. "It was probably the smoothest recording so far. The motivation was there, we had everything set it stone, and we had everything planned and mapped out ahead of time before we began tracking. As far as the drums go, I think we really got exactly what we were looking for. They came out so much better than I expected. I worked really well with everyone's input, with the guitar riffs, and with the timing structures. I think the continuity we all had really makes this album shine."As far as the content of the album, Matt explains how Astoria spent long hours writing and rewriting until they scripted every lyric to perfection "I think if you listen to the album as a whole, the overall message is one of hope. We wanted to write lyrics that were uplifting and positive. If we didn’t feel that the lyrics we had were doing this, we scratched them off and rewrote them. It was an "accept no substitutes" kind of mentality. To do this, we drew from personal experiences, and tried to paint a picture that everyone could relate to. The last thing we wanted to do is write about topics that are irrelevant that no one connects with. I think everyone, on some level, can relate to feeling lost, feeling hopeless at times, and feeling like no one is there for you. It was our goal to explainotherwise."As is the case with many bands, the musical style on their latest album is drawn from an array of influences. "To pick one major influence that shapes our sound is hard to do" Dancy explains. "As a musician, there are so many different artists, from so many different genres that I attribute to shaping my sound. I practice everything from jazz, to classical, to rock. At this point, for me, it's really about finding my own style, and using those influences to create a unique sound. You also have four other guys doing the exact same thing, who all have really different tastes in music. When we get together, we're never really sure what to expect. I think the playing on this album however, is a perfect blend of everyone’s individual influences, as well as what we were trying to accomplish as a band. I think we work well together and compliment one another very well, and it definitely shows as you listen to this record" Lafontaine also speaks on the musical transition that occurred during the album writing process. "Making the music come together was definitely an experience. It was an avenue for me that I've never really been a part of, but I loved every minute of it. We're all stylistically different, so coming from a jazz/blues/improv background took some adjusting. I've enjoyed taking a different approach to writing however. The biggest thing was adjusting to the style and structure, but I've enjoyed increasing my musical diversity. I think overall the album has a lot of different elements, but it still maintains its continuity. I’m really happy about that.""We have high expectations for the album" Hines explains. "We believe this record has the ability to reach out to a variety of audiences and make an impact."
Album: "Astoria" EPRedefinedMusic and Lyrics: Mike Hines2 Corinthians 5:17There was a moment in timeWhen all the unfulfillment filled the voidIt created long agoAnd there's a moment in timeWhen all the empty feelings feel rightWe let emotions run our livesDo you remember when we used to think that there was no way out?When it seemed the light was growing dimWhen I close my eyesYou have a funny way of showing meWhat I can't seeAnd it's clearer nowThe focus of my heart is redefinedAll else left behindI think it's safe to say that you're not safe when you have faith in liesYour eyes are so misleadingThe sinking feeling comes aliveDear brother don't wander out aloneYou might not ever find your homeWe've been given a map to follow all alongThis City Never SleepsMusic and Lyrics: Mike HinesLate night on the city as I'm driving aloneAll dressed up but I can't find a place to goAnd when those flashing lights draw nearIt gives me a chance to hide my fearThe recurring sensation makes me feel like homeAnd I'm fighting to go on, to get back on my feetJust to take another step, lifting this burden off of meCause maybe tonight I'll find a hope insideThat makes me finally seeThe amber glow of the streets I knowAre the home of catastropheMaybe tonight I'll find a peace of mindThat makes me want to believeThe love that I'm looking for finds it's way to meCan't stop locked up by the way that I feelIt's the only thing that matters as I hold tight gripping the wheelAnother fix won't save my soulI need a miracle to make me wholeI need a love that will never let me downHolding OnMusic: Mike HinesLyrics: Mike Hines, Matt WhitacreHave you ever underestimated loveThe peace that it bringsThe song that it singsAre you crying out tonightJust trying to make everything alrightSo desperate to hold onWhat's left to fearCause I've got nothing left to loseI gave it all away when I met youAnd I've never felt so freeYour love has rescued meYou took my life and made it cleanI never thought I'd ever find a love like this againClose your eyes, make a wish tonightWell be singing in the arms of the angels holding onYou're the one I have so patiently been waiting forYou're all I want, you're all I needWe'll be singing in the arms of the angels holding onHolding onRunning through the city streets at 3 a.m.The only thing thats left to do is count all of the stars with youWe'll tear the walls downWe'll wake up this townWe'll be dancing till sunrise like everything's alrightI never thought that things would end this wayI never thought that there would be no painI got a feeling that this love we have will lastCause you took the pain on our behalfMy Loving ArmsMusic and Lyrics: Mike Hines, Matt WhitacreSleepless nights are all you'’re gonna findWhen the faith you have you leave behindI can see the look that'’s in your eyesCause they'’ll smile and lead you onAnd you’'ll pretend like nothing'’s wrongThey’'ll turn their back on you somedayAnd I see you walking down that roadAnd I'’m begging you girl please don’t goAnd do something you will regretCause you haven’'t quite figured it out just yet thatI'’m scared for you, tell me that it’s not trueThe party scene’'s got nothing onThe comfort of my loving armsAnd it’'s not too late to turn awayI promise that I'’ll be there to get you off the groundJust turn around and you can be set freeWhen all you have are broken memoriesIf I could only make you seeThat my arms are open wideI'’ll change the way you feel insideMy love will catch you when you fallWhen the weight of this world is too much to bearI'’ll be the one that will save youSeven YearsMusic and Lyrics: Matt WhitacreShe's holding her head downIt's cold and its dark outShe's starting to lose her edgeShe's out on a SundayHer problems won't go awayShe just wants to feel like she's aliveBut she finds herself aloneThis world is not her home, noJust look up and don't let goI'm right here its not your faultThe things she said, the things he didThe tension high just live your lifeAfter all the tears you've criedInto me you can confideI'll be here forever by your sideForever by your sideHis life is a train wreckHis family is such a messHe's starting to feel like there's no hopeHe thinks he should let goAnd no one would ever knowThe pain that was tearing him apartHe finds himself aloneThis world is not his home, noThe heartache turns to screamingThe screaming turns to tearsWhere has all the love goneIt's been gone for seven yearsAnd you're running from the oneWho can give you love the mostWhy are you running from me?And then she singsHallelujah I am freeYour blood was shed for meUnreleased TracksHauntedMusic: Mike HinesLyrics: Matt WhitacreMaybe we were meant for moreThan sitting in the dark with our eyes closedInnocence, like when we were youngerYou're shaking scared and you think no one knowsDid you really think you were all alone?I've heard it said over and over againThese walls aren't what I wantedI can't get out I'm hauntedTake all of meI'm offering everythingThese scars will not define meI'll put my past behind me nowThrowing back the ghosts of our pastWe catch their filthy eyesThey can't stand to see us standing upWe're never going back, noSo say anything tonight because we feel aliveWe can, we can all be freeGiving up never felt so easyLike HurricanesMusic: Mike HinesLyrics: Mike Hines, Matt WhitacreStreet lights across the avenueBack roads previously unknownLet'’s take the long way homeJust drive and just let goTonight the world is on our sideAnd everything feels so rightRed lights, a casual suggestion I’'m not open toI can'’t explain itThe way that you areIt'’s easy to seeThat you light the sky, run from the darknessJust you and I falling togetherDeeper in love, some say we're crazyMaybe the'y’re right, we'’re falling forever In my bones I find an achingThis heart is slowly breakingAll I can think about is where you are, is where you are tonightLooking through the letters written when you were goneAsking myself why we fell so hard, so fast. So long Maybe they'’re right when they saidEven the fiercest storms will endWhen hurricanes pass through meChanging the shoreline of what I believeSo don'’t say you're a mess, I'’m a wreck without youBut love is overrated babyAll along, see I knew, that those eyes would shine throughBut was it even worth it?MemoriesMusic and Lyrics: Mike HinesI'’ve been thinkingI’'ve been away for so longMaking memories somewhere elseI’'ve forgotten what it feels likeTo leave the love I'’ve left behind beforeOne more chance to make things rightTo fix my broken dreams tonightCause we'’ve come so farAnd we’'re halfway homeC’'mon let’'s make the best of what we’'ve gotCause I'’m running out of ways to catch my breathBut I’'ll hold on till there'’s nothing leftCause you’'ll be right beside me till the endShe'’s got a bottle in one handAnd heartache in the otherBacked into a corner screamingShe’'s pretty good at fooling herselfBut she can'’t quite fool the restTorn apart by insecurityMy lungs are slowly breathingMy eyes are finally seeing youCan calm a storm in any oceanMy heart is ever slowly beatingChasing GhostsMusic: Mike HinesLyrics: Mike Hines, Matt WhitacreEphesians 6:12Here we go, here we go gotta do this againCan'’t stop I'’ve got to know thatThis time I’'m gonna do things rightThis time I’'m gonna question whyI feel the need to disappearMy thoughts are growing insincereI feel a weakness coming onNever felt so good to be so wrongDon'’t say that whatever makes you fall is okI wanna be standing tallI’'ve got the answers toThe questions haunting youI won'’t fight, I'’m giving you all control of my lifeI'’m giving up letting goTear down the walls of meI'’m giving you everythingIs there hope, is there light?Is it buried deep inside?Am I holding on to something that’'s uncertain?Is it truth, is it real?Am I chasing fact or fiction?I’'m so clearly blind, to the picture of my lifeI think I'’m over itThese voices in my head are lying through their teethSo get me out of this place, out of this placeSo fast, I'’m running away causeThis life is so clicheI feel like breaking out cause The dark is over, the dark is over now
LYRICS
CONTACT
CONTACT
Got questions for us? Want to book us for a show? Would you like to join our street team? Drop us a line! astoriabooking_gmail.com Add, befriend, subscribe, etc. to these fine social media outlets.
NEWS
MERCH
TOUR
BAND
CONTACT
